The year that was......

Well, guess what.....this is the last full day that I will be 18 years old. No need for sorrow though. I have seen so much of the Lord's working in my life throughout this year, a birthday just gives me opportunity to thank Him, and I joyfully thank Him, for the year that was. Some of my favorite times in the year, when I could see God's working most clearly are as follows. 1) The grace He granted me in allowing me to work at and live at a non-Christian camp in rural northern Michigan. It was really a blessing that my mom and sis were there as well but it was tough for all of us. I pray that the Lord will use the time I spent there for His honor and glory, whether one of the campers or camp leaders becomes a Christian or whatever else happens. 2) the grace He granted me in pushing through one of the most difficult periods in my life and finishing the Fall semester and the schoolyear altogether. In the Fall semester, I was pretty much burnt out by late October but the Lord granted me the sustaining grace to persever to the end. Granted, it wasn't the prettiest gradewise, but with the frustration, difficulty and weariness that I felt, I know that it was only by His grace that I survived the Fall semester. Another blessing is that He gave me the strength to yank my GPA up a little bit in the Spring semester. 3) Specifically the grace that He granted me in allowing me to pass Organic Chemistry I with a B+ after getting a D in the course in the Fall. I can't put into words how thankful and relieved I was to make it through that class. I know that all things are in the Lord's hands, but the fact that the Lord allowed me to pass that class gives me an even greater trust that He is in control of all things and if He wants me to be a doctor, I will be a doctor. And prayerfully He can use me in this occupation for His purposes, that I may be a testimony to unbelievers and encouragement to believers that I work with. 4) Getting a job for this summer. This was a true blessing also. 5) Improved dental hygiene. I was thankful to hear that my dental health is better than it was last fall, when their was a strong urgency for me to take better care of my teeth. 5) The family is still together. Through ups and downs, thick and thins, the Lord has been providential in keeping us together as a family. 6) Thank you Lord and may my life as a 19 year old be a better reflection of your working in my life than every year past! I can't wait for eternity with Christ in heaven, but for now He wants me on this earth. And that's why I'm thankful for another year....... In Christ, Josh

Ups and downs, twists and turns, but God's grace through it all..

Well this summer has been quite busy so far. I've been working around 35 hours or so average per week at Culver's and taking OChem M-TH 8-10:15 a.m. A real great blessing is that I was able to pass Organic Chemistry I this time with a B+! I am very grateful for this and know that it was only by the Lord's grace that I was able to put in the time and effort to achieve this grade. What a relief to be done with that course. Whew :) I'm now taking Organic Chemistry II which I just started this week. It seems like it will be a challenge also, but I will be prayerful and know that the Lord will work everything together for good. I didn't study at all today, mainly because my family celebrated my birthday, which is Sunday, because my mom and sis will be heading off to New York for my sister's music camp Saturday morning. I watched Kung Fu Panda, which was quite a hilarious movie, with my bro and sis. Then we came home and had my favorite dinner: homeade orange chicken with homeade fried rice and egg rolls. Then we had my favorite cake--pineapple upside down cake for dessert. Num-num goo-goo. Definitely a summer treat......But ya, I'd like to start taking out more time to read God's Word on a daily basis. I feel like I've been out of touch somewhat. I need to remember that He is the only source of true joy and success in my life and stop looking for these things in people and circumstances. I need to remember that He controls all things and that I need to stay in commune with Him to keep from getting distracted. Welp, this tired old man has had about all the excitement he can take for a day. Time for bed. Oh, one last goal for the summer after OChem Lordwilling I'd like to learn the basics of French and develop my Spanish knowledge more. Good night. In Christ, Josh